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Papaya, a fruit native to Central America and southern Mexico, is one of the most well-liked fruits in the world, not only for its sweet flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. It contains high levels of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and beneficial plant compounds with vibrant color and delicious pulp. Papaya serves many health advantages like; reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, especially in deadly diseases like the dengue virus, combating bacterial diseases, and supporting cardiovascular health.
This blog highlights the papaya health benefits in detail. Especially, if you are reading things about papaya to get an immunity boost against dengue then this is the right place for you.
About Papaya
Papayas, commonly referred to as papaws or pawpaws, are fruits that grow in tropical areas. They are a well-liked fruit due to their sweet flavor, brilliant color, and numerous health benefits they offer. The papaya, which was formerly an uncommon and exotic fruit, is now available throughout most of the year.
Over 5 million tons of papayas are produced in India every year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Papayas are a soft, fleshy fruit with a wide range of culinary applications.
What are the important things to know about the Nutritional Information of Papaya?
A medium-sized papaya contains approx:
- 120 calories
- 2 grams of protein
- 30 grams of carbohydrates
- 5 grams of fiber
- 18 grams of sugar
Additionally, papaya is also a good source of:
- Folate
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Pantothenic acid
- Fiber
- Alpha-Beta carotene
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
Interested to know about the Glycemic Index of Papaya?
- The Glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly your blood sugar levels spike after the consumption of carbohydrate-containing food. Papaya has a medium glycemic index of 60, which means it does not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels.
- A low glycemic index diet like papaya help patients with diabetes prevent risks of coronary heart disease. Moreover, it promotes satiety and makes it easier to manage food consumption in obese or overweight people.
What are the Top Health Benefits of Papaya? See here
Here we are going to discuss the papaya health benefits that can help you fight against so many diseases just by including it in your diet.
1- Papaya can Speed up the Metabolism and Aids in Digestion
The protein-digesting enzymes papain and chymopapain are abundant in papaya which serves the following benefits.
- Papain can maintain its activity over a wide range of body pH, which means that it is active and stable in all the areas of the stomach over different pH ranges.
- Papain is said to be so potent that it can digest 200 times as much protein as its own weight.
- Papaya is a useful natural digestive aid because of its potent protein-digesting ability
- Additionally, it regulates the digestive system, promoting normal peristalsis and regular bowel movements.
- Including papaya in your daily routine may help with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome-like gas, bloating, acid reflux, loose stools, or a propensity toward constipation.
2- It works as a Natural Immunity Booster and increases Platelets Count in diseases like Dengue
Vitamin-C-rich foods can strengthen your immune system. Due to papaya’s high vitamin C content, adding it to your diet on a regular basis can give you the following benefits.
- It helps the body fight against various viral and bacterial infections like malaria and dengue.
- Papaya plays an important role in boosting your immune system because it is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
Read also Papaya Leaf Juice Benefits for Immunity Booster
Why do Doctors emphasize taking Papaya for Dengue?
The following justifies the use of papaya in dengue:
- It aids in the transport of oxygen in your blood and strengthens your immune system, which aids in your recovery from dengue.
- The juice of papaya leaves also reduces dengue fever. Malaria can also be treated with it.
- Combining papaya leaf juice consumption with allopathic treatment is really beneficial if you have been diagnosed with dengue or malaria.
- Consuming papaya leaf juice will increase your platelets and red blood cell count helping you to fight easily against the dengue virus.
Have a look at Does Papaya Leaf Juice Increase Platelets?
3- Papaya nutrients may reduce the Aging Process of the Skin
An important antioxidant known for its special benefit to the skin is lycopene. This antioxidant is present in papaya and gives the following advantages.
- It belongs to a class of nutrients known as carotenoids, which have a large number of antioxidants and are known for their ability to shield skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
- It may help to provide lifelong defense against harmful UV radiation.
- According to studies, papaya actually contains more bioavailable carotenoids than tomatoes and carrots do, making it one of the richest sources of lycopene, a key nutrient for UV protection.
4- Papaya gives anti-inflammatory effects on the body
It has been discovered that papaya contains distinctive nutrients and plant compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects and aid in many ways.
- One study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of consuming papaya and helps to prevent inflammation after surgeries.
- Papain is an organic anti-inflammatory substance found in papaya. It is a great supplement for anyone who has arthritis because it has been shown to be effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness.
5- The nutrients of Papaya help to promote Cardiovascular Health
Phytochemicals or phytonutrients, which are bioactive substances present in vegetables and fruit including papaya, have been shown to have the following uses.
- It gives protective effects against cardiovascular diseases.
- Papaya contains potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. All these nutrients aid to maintain healthy arteries, which help improve blood flow.
- It helps to decrease the cholesterol levels in the body and promotes blood circulation, which lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
As a result, papaya may be a very healthy addition to your foods, especially for those who need strong prevention against heart diseases.
6- Papaya is a great choice for those who want Strong Bones
Following are the reasons for eating papaya to get good bone health.
- Vitamin K, which is essential for strong bones, is present in papaya. It enhances calcium absorption and decreases urinary excretion, allowing the body to retain more calcium for bone strengthening and regrowth.
- The papaya enzyme chymopapain has a significant impact on increasing bone density and toughness.
7- You can fight Cancer too by eating Papaya every day
Do you know that papaya can also help you to fight cancer? The reason is given below.
- The antioxidant beta-carotene, which is present in papayas in very large amounts, helps to lower the chance of developing cancer.
- According to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, diets high in beta-carotene may have a protective effect against prostate cancer in younger men.
You may also read 4 Reasons Why Papaya Is Good For Piles
How can you use Papaya in your daily diet?
Papaya is a soft and adaptable fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. The preparation techniques for eating papaya are listed below.
- Use fresh papaya, pineapple, and mango to make a tropical fruit salad.
- Add a burst of fruity flavor to water, iced tea, or lemonade with grinding papaya.
- Moreover, you may use papaya, mango, jalapenos, red peppers, and chipotle together to make a flavorful salsa. Eat this as a tasty snack along with fish tacos.
- Add a couple of frozen papaya slices to the smoothies. For a sweet tropical treat, combine papaya with greek yogurt and half a frozen banana. Enjoy this tasty cold treat.
You may book a meeting with a nutritionist to get a detailed diet plan including the papaya recipe.
Are there any Risks associated with Papaya Intake?
- Papaya is a very popular fruit. It is safe to consume but sometimes may cause nausea and vomiting.
- Unripe papaya fruit may be dangerous as it contains ‘papain’ in very high amounts. The esophagus could be damaged by the consumption of papain in large quantities.
- Plus, it also contains another enzyme called chitinases, which may interact with foods that contain latex and lead to an adverse reaction.
To sum up
In addition to being sweet and high in nutrients, papaya has many other advantages. Its powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene, may reduce your chances of developing a number of heart diseases.
Consuming papaya in moderation can help you meet your daily requirements for a number of micronutrients as well as support your digestive system, ease period cramps, and strengthen your immune system and you may become able to fight against dengue and malaria too.
Just remember that you have to eat this fruit in moderation in order to avoid the above-mentioned side effects. However, if you may feel any issues after eating papaya you may contact a general physician through Marham.
FAQs
1- What’s the best time to eat papaya?
People who want to lose weight quickly can eat papaya during breakfast and as a snack, between lunch and dinner for the best effects. It is a fulfilling after-lunch snack that keeps you fuller for longer.
2- What happens if we eat papaya empty stomach?
A cup of papaya is known to clear the digestive tract of toxins and smooth bowel movement due to the presence of digestive enzymes when consumed on an empty stomach. Additionally, it is known to prevent constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues too.
3- Can we drink water before eating papaya?
It is advised to wait 20 to 30 minutes before consuming your first glass of water after eating this fruit.
